Losing Dion Lewis is a tough blow, but they have plenty of other guys to make their offense go. Tom Brady will just rely more on LeGarrette Blount to keep them on target for a perfection hunt.

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#2

Carolina Panthers (8-0)

Last week: (4) beat Packers 37-29

This week: at Titans

They are a lot more than Cam Newton and Luke Kuechly, and their schedule can no longer be deemed so weakly. There’s more on the marquee with their defensive line, and they proved plenty times their receivers are fine.

High praise keeps going to Andy Dalton, and there’s no reason to think his level of play will soon be halting. Tyler Eifert continues to be an imposing tower, now they just need some more Jeremy Hill power.

Peyton Manning had been asking for that first loss, as we’ve seen The Sheriff not be the same as the old boss. The defense was off, but it’s still no joke. It just needs to cut out the old eye poke.

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#5

Arizona Cardinals (6-2)

Last week: (6) bye

This week: at Seahawks

Carson Palmer should have welcomed the rest, because so far the veteran QB has passed every test. There’s also proof a Honey Badger can thrive out West — a young defensive star bringing out his best.

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#6

Green Bay Packers (6-2)

Last week: (5) lost to Panthers 37-29

This week: vs. Lions

Clay Matthews keeps trying to get in everyone’s face, but it’s easy to see their defense is off base. Aaron Rodgers keeps trying to raise his game, but it’s getting harder with Eddie Lacy playing so lame.

Let’s hope they worked on keeping Russell Wilson upright, because all those QB hits have kept them from taking flight. The defense still needs to carry the load, with help from a heavier dose of Beast Mode.

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#10

Atlanta Falcons (6-3)

Last week: (7) lost to 49ers 17-16

This week: bye

Their three losses have us shaking our head, as it looks like the Falcons are leaving the red. If they plan to keep from fading to black, they could use a better Matt Ryan on the attack.

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#11

New York Jets (5-3)

Last week: (14) beat Jaguars 28-23

This week: vs. Bills

It seems their front seven and cornerbacks are mired in a slump, so it’s good they keep getting an offensive bump. Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker just keep it getting done, making Fitzmagic a lot more fun.

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#12

New York Giants (5-4)

Last week: (15) beat Buccaneers 32-18

This week: vs. Patriots

Big Blue is back on their roller coaster, but Eli Manning keeps playing the part of a defense roaster. Now if they could only get on some kind of streak, they would win an NFC East that’s so weak.

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#13

Oakland Raiders (4-4)

Last week: (11) lost to Steelers 38-35

This week: vs. Vikings

There’s nothing bad you can say about Derek Carr, as he keeps taking that next step as a star. Their defense still remains a few steps away, but there’s a lot more excitement on that side of the Bay.

It was good to see Mike Zimmer release a zinger after the Rams gave his QB more than a stinger. Jeff Fisher might be feeling a little surly, and it sure would be nice if they had more than Todd Gurley.

Brandon Browner and their defense keeps reeling, taking away all the good vibes Drew Brees is feeling. Just when they were back home cooking, theysuccumbed to an overtime rooking.

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#19

Miami Dolphins (3-5)

Last week: (16) lost to Bills 33-17

This week: at Eagles

Whether you refer to them as the Fins or Fish, it doesn’t look like they’ll be granted their playoff wish. Dan Campbell might still be a keeper, but they can’t afford to sink much deeper.

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#20

Kansas City Chiefs (3-5)

Last week: (22) bye

This week: at Broncos

They went to London to beat the Lions and meet the queen, but back in the states, they are in a tricky AFC scene. To get back above .500 with Andy Reid, a lot of great defense is what they will need.

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#21

Baltimore Ravens (2-6)

Last week: (24) bye

This week: vs. Jaguars

A little time off won’t allow them to totally heal,keeping this lost season a bummer of a deal. Thanks to John Harbaugh, they’ll still be hard toilers, hanging around as dangerous spoilers.

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#22

Washington Redskins (3-5)

Last week: (20) lost to Patriots 27-10

This week: vs. Saints

They still could be a factor in the NFC East, if somehow their running game can return to feast. Right now with Kirk Cousins there’s little margin for error, and overall, their injuries have been a terror.

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#23

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-5)

Last week: (21) lost to Giants 32-18

This week: vs. Cowboys

With Jameis Winston they’ll always have a chance, but not when Mike Evans shows those shaky hands. Their defense can’t stop much for Lovie Smith, with little talent to work with.

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#24

Chicago Bears (2-6)

Last week: (25) beat Chargers 22-19

This week: at Rams

Jay Cutler can’t shake all the critical words, but his play with Adam Gase is something to be heard. While he’s making an effort to make some noise, he’s doing it without all of his favorite toys.

Everyone still sees the awesome in J.J. Watt, but now it’s about seeing what else they’ve got. The rest of the defense has left much to be desired, and unless that changes, in this spot they’ll be mired.

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#26

Dallas Cowboys (2-6)

Last week: (23) lost to Eagles 33-27

This week: at Buccaneers

Even with Matt Cassel now finding Dez Bryant, every game shows how much they’re Tony Romo-reliant. No matter what you think of Greg Hardy, they shouldn’t plan on a playoff party.

The win over Atlanta was produced by a Gabbert named Blaine, which is sure to cause Kaepernick, Colin, a lot more pain. The Niners looked like they have moved on with a different number, because they suddenly awoke from a season-long slumber.

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#28

Jacksonville Jaguars (2-6)

Last week: (29) lost to Jets 28-23

This week: at Ravens

If you haven’t seen their talented Allens, Robinson and Hurns, enjoy them as receivers with some speed to burn. They have good hands and also are quick, and soon, this young offense will be totally slick.

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#29

San Diego Chargers (3-6)

Last week: (26) lost to Bears 22-19

This week: bye

They’ve lost a bunch of guys, too, well beyond Keenan Allen — an endless slew. They’re doing what they can with Philip Rivers to Antonio Gates, but that won’t stop consecutive playoff-less states.

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#30

Tennessee Titans (2-6)

Last week: (31) beat Saints 34-28

This week: vs. Panthers

Marcus Mariota came back and stepped up for Mike Mularkey, whose interim hire brought the intended spark-y. They’ve helped the rookie rediscover his fire and got a quick reminder he can go much higher.

With their record having not much to tell, they need to go full-time Johnny Manziel. It’s hard to move away from Josh McCown, but they need to know whether they should keep the kid in town.

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#32

Detroit Lions (1-7)

Last week: (32) bye

This week: at Packers

Jim Caldwell and Matthew Stafford were spared from the purge, but the only thing left for their season is the requisite dirge. The Lions are the only team left that’s stuck on one, and everybody can see they’re totally done.